Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Iowa

Wages, programs & career outlook
IA Median Salary
$61,230/yr
-3% vs. national
National Median
$62,970/yr
IA Employment
6,350
Plumber & Pipefitters employed
IA Sponsors
1537
Registered programs

Iowa Wage Spread

Annual wages for Plumber & Pipefitters in Iowa across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$41,840
25th %ile
$48,510
Median
$61,230
75th %ile
$80,450
90th %ile
$92,690

Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Iowa

Plumber & Pipefitters in Iowa earn $61,230/yr at the median — 27% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

At $61,230 per year, Iowa pays roughly the national average for Plumber & Pipefitters. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

Employment for Plumber & Pipefitters is projected to grow 4.5% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 44,000 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

At just 1.3% of the national Plumber & Pipefitter workforce (6,350 employed), Iowa has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics. Every hour is paid.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Iowa is extensive: 1,537 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Plumber & Pipefitters in Iowa ($41,840 to $92,690) covers $50,850. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Iowa

1537 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Iowa. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
FORGY ELECTRIC LLC Ackley
POTS PLUMBING AND HEATING (THE CEU AUTHORITY) Ackley Butler County
Sheeder Electric, LLC Adair Guthrie County
ADM High School Adel Dallas County
Extra Electric (ABC) Adel Dallas County
MidAmerican Energy Company Adel
MidAmerican Energy- Gas JATC LU 109 & 499 Adel Dallas County
MidAmerican Energy- Maintenance LU 499 & 109 Adel Dallas County
O'BRIEN ELECTRIC (ABC) Agency Wapello County
YODER ELECTRICAL SERVICES INC. (ABC) Ainsworth Washington County
Iowa Aluminum, Inc. Albia Monroe County
HONEST HEATING AND COOLING, INC. (CEU AUTHORITY) Albion Marshall County
Alburnett Community School District Alburnett
Hansen Electrical Services Alden
Algona CSD Algona
Dean Meyer Electric, LLC Algona
NORTH IOWA MECHANICAL LLC (CEU) Algona Kossuth County
North Polk CSD Alleman
4 SEASONS PHC (THE CEU AUTHORITY) Alta Buena Vista County
Power Solutions Inc. Alta Buena Vista County
Altoona Veterinary Hospital Altoona
Central/Western Iowa Carpenters JATC Local Union 106 Altoona Polk County
Direct Heating and Air LLC (ABC) Altoona Polk County
GUMM ELECTRIC (ABC) Altoona Polk County
Millwright JATC Local Union 1463 Altoona Polk County
+ 5 more sponsors in Iowa

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Plumber & Pipefitters make in Iowa?
The median annual wage for Plumber & Pipefitters in Iowa is $61,230 as of May 2024. Wages range from $41,840 at the 10th percentile to $92,690 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship?
A typical Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Plumber & Pipefitters?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Is there demand for Plumber & Pipefitters?
The BLS projects 4.5% employment growth for Plumber & Pipefitters through 2034 — steady demand. About 44000 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Plumber & Pipefitter apprenticeship in Iowa?
There are 1537 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Iowa. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Plumber & Pipefitter apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $30,615/yr in Iowa). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Plumber & Pipefitter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Iowa

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.